NorthStar Foundation

06/05/2026

Camp NorthStar - Week One! 🕶️🩳☀️

06/04/2026

June Celebrations! 🎉

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Our Leadership NorthStar students and mentors are wrapping up the year in Dallas!

Yesterday, the group visited TCU – Texas Christian University and explored Meow Wolf Grapevine. It was a great day of learning, exploring, and spending time together as they celebrate a successful year.

We’re proud of these young leaders and all they’ve accomplished this year!

06/01/2026

Today kicked off our first day of Camp NorthStar! 💙

We’re excited for what’s in store for our young leaders this summer!

05/31/2026

Sunday Reflection by Wayne Brown - May 31st, 2026

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been invited into a number of community welcome gatherings as I continue getting to know the people who make NorthStar what it is. Every event has reminded me that this community stretches far beyond our campus walls. There is a wide network of families, mentors, donors, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who care deeply about what happens for “our guys,” as our board chair Anthony Anderson often says.

This week’s gathering felt especially meaningful because many of our graduating seniors were there too. In some ways, it felt like a small graduation celebration before the official ceremonies begin in the days ahead. I had the chance to hear about what comes next for several of them — future bakers, entrepreneurs, content creators, Huskers, Mavericks, and MCC students preparing for the next chapter of their lives.

What stood out to me most was not just where they are headed, but the confidence and support surrounding them as they take those next steps. You can feel the belief this community has in these young men. That kind of encouragement matters. It creates belonging. It builds hope. And over time, it gives young leaders the agency to imagine a bigger future for themselves.

As I continue settling into NorthStar, one thing becomes clearer to me every week: this is a community that shows up for its students in powerful ways. I’m grateful to keep learning from it and becoming part of it.

Always Forward,

Wayne

05/29/2026

SAVE THE DATE for our 15th Annual Climb Higher Luncheon!

We are excited to host internationally acclaimed artist Ekow Nimako on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026!

You can watch his story here:
https://youtu.be/wR-i-pqFqqE

05/28/2026

Last night, we celebrated our NorthStar Seniors and Leadership Students of 2026 — and what a special evening it was.

Our young leaders were surrounded by friends, family, NorthStar Board Members, community partners, and staff who have supported and encouraged them along the way.

We were honored to award nearly 15 scholarships to help support these students as they begin their next chapters — whether that journey leads to the military, trade school, or a university.

We are incredibly proud of each and every student and cannot wait to see the impact they will make in the future.

More details and pictures to come!

05/24/2026

Sunday Reflection by Wayne Brown - May 24th, 2026

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, and especially on Monday, we pause to remember the true meaning of this day. Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation and in protection of the freedoms we often take for granted.

On behalf of the NorthStar community, we offer our solemn gratitude to those heroes and to the families who continue to carry both pride and sacrifice.

Before coming to NorthStar, I spent ten years active-duty Army. That experience shaped my understanding of leadership, discipline, teamwork, and service beyond self. One of the things I have appreciated most during my first months here is learning the stories of NorthStar young men who choose to serve our country after high school. Young men like Ryan and Amari (pictured), whose commitment to something larger than themselves is deeply meaningful.

At NorthStar, we talk often about belonging, hope, and agency. Service reflects all three. Young leaders who step forward to serve understand that they belong to something bigger than themselves. They carry hope for what their efforts can protect and preserve. And they embrace the responsibility and agency that leadership requires.

This weekend, may we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and may we continue building young leaders who understand the value of service, courage, and community.

Always Forward,

Wayne

05/17/2026

Sunday Reflections by Wayne Brown - May 17th, 2026

Forty minutes outside Omaha, I took my first airboat ride across the Platte with Kyle from River Life Airboat Tours, and I forgot I was in Nebraska.

Bald eagles overhead. Native American history all around us. Scenery that rivals the Florida Everglades.

My daughters Sophia and Mariah were on the boat with me, along with two of NorthStar's biggest supporters, Dr. Audrey and Dr. Paul Paulman, and friends from the Durham Museum.

My "a ha" moment came right there on the water: We need to get our NorthStar young leaders out to the Platte. They need to feel this beauty, stand on those sand dunes, see the eagles, catch the sun on their face, and have fun on the water.

At NorthStar, we believe leadership is formed through academics, adventure and athletics — and summer creates a unique opportunity for young leaders to step into new environments, discover new strengths, and build confidence through meaningful experiences together.

Belonging in nature. Hope in the possibilities. Agency to know that adventure and discovery are part of their inheritance too.

As our students work to finish up this school year, I cannot wait to put a NorthStar crew on that boat.

Always Forward.